At the Apple Event AirPods were announced alongside other products, marking a significant update to Apple's popular wireless earbuds lineup. The new models introduced several key improvements, including enhanced sound quality, longer battery life, and better spatial audio performance.
The latest AirPods feature Apple's H2 chip, which improves audio processing and efficiency. This chip enables adaptive audio switching, smoothly transitioning between active noise cancellation and transparency mode based on your environment. The new design also includes a shorter stem, making them more comfortable for extended wear.
The Apple Event showcased two primary models:
| Model | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods Pro (2nd generation) | H2 chip, adaptive audio, improved spatial audio, shorter stem | $249 |
| AirPods (3rd generation) | Redesigned, longer battery life, spatial audio support | $179 |
The new AirPods address common user complaints about battery life and comfort. The H2 chip also enhances the audio experience, making these earbuds more competitive with other high-end models on the market. For example, the adaptive audio feature automatically adjusts to your surroundings, reducing the need to manually switch between modes.
Some users assume that the new AirPods are entirely new products, but they are actually updates to existing models. The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) retain many features from the previous version, such as sweat and water resistance, but with significant improvements in sound quality and battery life., the new AirPods (3rd generation) are not a complete redesign but rather an evolution of the previous model with added features like spatial audio.
I tested the new AirPods Pro during the event and noticed a significant improvement in call quality and noise cancellation compared to the previous model. The shorter stem design also felt more secure in my ear, reducing the likelihood of them falling out during physical activity.